Loch Ness Monster's Unbelievable Science, written and illustrated by Anne Appert. Kids Can Press, 2026. $16.99 ages 6 and up

"Now, THAT is science. 

But this isn't as fun. 

Of course it is! 
Science is fun!

And it's the real me! 

Fine. 

Make sure you stick to the facts. 
Promise? 
No more made-up science. 

I promise ... "

There are constant warnings for today's young readers about how tough it is to tell fact from fiction. To that end, the Loch Ness Monster is willing to help. Ness's new book promises 'scientific truths' while helping to explain how to pay careful attention to what is being written. This one is about birds, something that Ness knows. 

He will start with puffins, and their beaks. In the past when the two friends decided to sunbathe, Puffin refused protection saying no sunblock was needed. Wrong! That is why today puffins have more colorful beaks in the summer. Puffin disagrees, offering to write its own truth. In a following two-page spread, Puffin sets Ness straight with a series of real facts about the species. Ness explains that he is not sure what Puffin has provided is a lot of fun. Puffin responds that it is science, and science is fun. Ness promises to stick to the facts for the next section of his book.

Is that likely? Read on and see. Ness's next topic is the blue-footed boobie's blue feet. His tale is much appreciated by the booby; not so much for Puffin who is trying to hold Ness to the promise he made. When the blue-footed booby takes the time to think clearly about its feet, it is able to construct an account of his own species with REAL FACTS. There follows very interesting and pertinent facts about his species. The booby prefers Ness's more exciting tale; real science prevails. 

The final section concerns flamingos. What do you think the focus might be this time? If you said pink  feathers, you are absolutely right. This time Ness has his story straight and passes on accurate information before Flamingo adds a few facts of his own. In the end, Ness can now tell his own story - one he knows well. 

The graphic novel format is sure to appeal to the target audience, while offering a series of facts about birds and a touch of humor. Back matter includes a resource list, website, and a list of the author's selected sources for writing the book.